The "Original" Cherry Keyboard Switch?

User avatar
HaaTa
Master Kiibohd Hunter

18 Aug 2015, 22:59

So, I've known about this switch for a while, but I've finally gotten my hands on some :mrgreen:

Behold, snap-action (clicky) keyboard switches from 1959! I even have the model number 01APBSW 8-)

ImageDSC_1096
ImageDSC_1102
ImageDSC_1101
https://www.flickr.com/photos/triplehaa ... 7024558289

Image
https://www.google.com/patents/US3056002


Not designed by Walter Cherry Jr. but the design is likely derived from a similar earlier switch. Like this one from 1955.
https://www.google.com/patents/US2758171

I don't have the switches in an actual keyboard, but I do have a keyboard with very similar switches.
ImageComputer Communications 303 Keyboard
https://www.flickr.com/photos/triplehaa ... 9413331943

User avatar
Redmaus
Gotta start somewhere

18 Aug 2015, 23:30

Whoa, groovy!

I wonder what these sound like...

Don't know why this doesn't have more replies, I love that diagram.

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klikkyklik

18 Aug 2015, 23:53

Where in the HELL did you find that...

Very cool!

Engicoder

18 Aug 2015, 23:55

This kind of reminds me of that Univac 1710 board that you had that used microswitches.

User avatar
chzel

19 Aug 2015, 00:06

Ha! Nice find!
They look like tiny Morse keyers!
klikkyklik wrote: Where in the HELL did you find that...
If it is obscure and keyboard related, you can count on HaaTa to have it!

User avatar
HaaTa
Master Kiibohd Hunter

19 Aug 2015, 00:59

I'll take a video once I get back from work. It has a pleasant click.

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Muirium
µ

19 Aug 2015, 01:26

Those sliders look admirably daft! Was this switch ever really intended for use in a keyboard, or did they repurpose something they already had?

Oh, and what's the travel and the feel like?

User avatar
HaaTa
Master Kiibohd Hunter

19 Aug 2015, 01:30

Those sliders...are awful. But the switch mechanism is quite nice. Very smooth, lightly tactile.

The enhancements to this switch were very likely for keyboard-like devices (this is 1959 remember). Earlier variants of the switch were probably just general purpose snap action switches. It wasn't till a bit later that snap-in/plate mount switches started to become the norm (likely due to manufacturing limitations).

User avatar
Muirium
µ

19 Aug 2015, 01:42

Indeed. 1959 is positively prehistoric! Even the IBM Selectric was a few years in the future, back then. Only makes sense these switches had other uses in mind as well.

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HaaTa
Master Kiibohd Hunter

19 Aug 2015, 05:29


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vivalarevolución
formerly prdlm2009

20 Aug 2015, 00:40

Gorgeous.

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klikkyklik

20 Aug 2015, 00:50

That is super cool. Thanks for posting that vid! I bet a real board of those would sure be fun to type on.

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Muirium
µ

20 Aug 2015, 00:53

Nice sound. Very pure. Does it feel a bit like a beamspring at all, by chance? The lateral spring reminds me of that, and beamsprings are awesome with their flawless force curve.

User avatar
HaaTa
Master Kiibohd Hunter

20 Aug 2015, 01:36

They a bit similar to beam springs, but not quite.

There's not as much tactility, but because is a spring expansion, rather than compression the friction is lower.
I think I have about 3 keyboards now with these types of switches (I don't think they are Cherry's version though). 2 of them will be at the Bay Area keyboard meetup on Saturday :D

Once I get my force gauge all put together, I'll make sure to get some force curves.

User avatar
XMIT
[ XMIT ]

20 Aug 2015, 15:06

What is the debouncing time required for these? They look ... really bouncy.

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Prelim

21 Aug 2015, 00:39

it just seems like...

Image

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Touch_It

21 Aug 2015, 02:05

That has a very satisfying sounding ting to it.

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webwit
Wild Duck

21 Aug 2015, 02:17

Did someone add it to the wiki yet??? :evil: *Beardsmore mode*

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seebart
Offtopicthority Instigator

21 Aug 2015, 09:21

Impressive. Yes webwit, those need to be in our wiki. Pure keyboard history.

terrycherry

25 Aug 2015, 08:50

Awesome.I love this click sound!
Is it has the magnet inside?

DrivenKeys

11 Jan 2021, 08:42

I'm just bringing this back from the dead, because I stumbled on one of these on ebay, and I think it's just about the coolest keyboard collectible I've ever bought. It makes a great desk fidget thingy, I highly recommend it.

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